By Villamor Visaya Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer news correspondent/GMA7 news stringer
@www.luzonwidenewscorrespondent.net
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya-Incumbent Governor Jose “Jing” Gambito was proclaimed winner by the provincial board of canvassers on May 13 for his first three-year elective term against his longtime ally, three-term Rep. Luisa Lloren “Banti” Cuaresma for Nueva Vizcaya governor.
Before ascending as governor two years ago when elected Gov. Carlos Padilla died on May 5, 2023, Gambito was the vice gubernatorial bet allied with Cuaresma who then won her third term as congresswoman in 2022 elections.
Gambito told reporters on Tuesday that he did not expect a landslide victory, getting 151,517 votes as against Cuaresma who got 82,237 votes and former provincial administrator Maybelle Blossom Dumlao who got 11,986 votes.
“I honestly did not expect a landslide victory. While the three surveys conducted prior to the elections showed us in the lead, the margins were very close. This is a humbling (experience),” he said.
“I assure the people of Nueva Vizcaya that I will work even harder now that you have entrusted me with the governorship. Together, we will build on our achievements and strive for greater progress,” he added, urging unity with his rivals in the elections.
Gambito previously went into a private life for nine years but he ran and won as vice governor in 2022 and by succession when Governor Padilla died in 2023.
Vice Governor Eufemia Dacayo, who was then a first-ranked board member and elevated as vice governor when Gambito was sworn in as governor, was elected with 96,129 votes as against former Bambang mayor and board member Eduardo Balgos who got 72,869 and Patricio Dumlao who garnered 69,509 votes.
Dacayo expressed gratitude to Novo Vizcayanos for the “overwhelming votes” and promised to repay the “trust and confidence through hardwork, dedication, commitment and passion.”
For the lone congressional seat, Dupax del Norte Mayor Timothy Joseph was elected with 100,291 votes, edging former vice governor and board member Jose Tam-an who got 76,698 votes, former congresswoman Ruth Padilla who got 57,482 votes, and three other pursuers, retired general Val De Leon, Jun Manghi, Jay Padilla, and Lawrence Santa Ana.
“I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support of our fellow Novo Vizcayanos. We will work hard with dedication to realize our commitments such as on tourism development and Indigenous People’s Cultural Preservation, among others,” he said.
The PBOC also proclaimed the elected members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (South District) – Luisa Corazon Cuaresma with 49,958 votes, Clem Cadoy with 41,625 votes, Leah Tidang with 42,977 votes, EJ Galanta-Martinez with 36,244 votes and Pablo Kindot with 34,891 votes.
The proclaimed members of the SP for North District were Eunice Galima-Gambol with 70,999 votes, Atty. John Severino Bagasao with 56,175 votes, Atty. Primo Percival Marcos with 51,734 votes, Wilson ‘Ayuda King’ Salas with 45,830 votes and Flodemonte Gerdan with 44,611 votes.#
